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Government’s stand against street kids welcomed

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Government’s stand against street kids welcomed

Some concerned parents and guardians in the Ndola district have expressed happiness about the government’s pronouncement to arrest those sending children to sell on the streets.

Mable Mwenda a Ndola resident says the government should ensure that parents and guardians who send their children to beg or sell on the streets must be punished by the law.

“That is child abuse, the children need to be in schools and not on the streets most of these kids found on the streets are sent by their guardians hence the need for government to step in,” Mr. Mwenda said in an interview.

And Mercy Mwenya another resident said kids are being deprived of the opportunity of going to school as they spend most of their time selling on the streets.

Mrs Mwenya e said parents and guardians should take advantage of the free education policy by taking their children to school

Meanwhile, Luanshya’s Gandhi primary school PTA chairman Charles Mulenga said that there is a need for the government to first understand the reason why parents send children to the streets before arresting them.

Mr Mulenga said that some children may be in the streets because of peer pressure and not because of being sent by their parents hence the need to analyse each case with parents before arresting them.

“There is need for government to also check physically the homes where these children come from as they may find that selling in streets would be the only means of survival for the family,” Mr. Mulenga said.

Recently , Ndola District Commissioner Joseph Phiri advised the Zambia Police Service to arrest parents who will be found sending their children to sell on the streets instead of encouraging them to be in school following the implementation of the free education policy.

Government urged to subsidize on fuel

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Government urged to subsidize on fuel

The Opposition has advised President Hakainde Hichilema’s new dawn administration to consider subsidizing the cost of fuel to relieve citizens from ever increasing high cost of living.

New Foundation Zambia (NFZ) leader Fraser Malama says essential commodities such as basic foods, water and electricity have become expensive because of the high cost of fuel.

Mr Malama maintains that as his party is concerned about the vulnerable in society in terms of transport and food, among other essentials, President Hichilema should consider the welfare of the poor Zambians.

In a statement to ZANIS this evening , the opposition leader said the new dawn government’s introduction of free education will be meaningless as most children staying distances from their schools will spend more on transport from their respective homes.

“ As any shot distance is now K10 , so going and coming back from school a child needs K 20 kwacha every day, a K 100 per week and K 400 per month. This an unfortunate situation, “ he said.

He added that whether it is International Monitoring Fund (IMF) or the Ukraine war dictating the issues surrounding the price of fuel, President Hichilema should do something about it and cushion the situation.

Mr Malama observed that Zambia has had such a situation before adding that those in power then thought about the masses first and the needy in society.

On 31 March , 2022, the Energy Regulations Board ( ERB ) adjusted upwards fuel pump prices by K4.54, K4.68 and K3.93 per litre for petrol, diesel and kerosene, respectively.

This development has unsettled sections of society among them the Zambia Association of Manufacturers ( ZAM ) who have also advised government to consider suspension of certain taxes on Fuel.

Rwanda and Zambia signs 7 MoUs to further enhance ties and integration

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Rwanda and Zambia signs 7 MoUs to further enhance ties and integration

Rwanda and Zambia have signed seven Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to further enhance ties and integration between the two countries.

The MoUs were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakuko on behalf of Zambia and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Bituta signed on behalf of Rwanda.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema in Livingstone this afternoon.

The first MoU is on Trade & Investment Cooperation, meant to promote cross-border trade, investment, industry & private sector development through joint partnerships.

The second is on Trade and Investment Cooperation, aimed at promoting cross border trade, investments and private sector development between the parties on equitable terms.

And on Agriculture, the two countries have agreed to establish and strengthen bilateral relations in the domain of agriculture, agriculture research development, extension & technology transfer.

The Fourth MoU is on Fisheries & Livestock Development, meant to strengthen and consolidate bilateral relations in the fields of Agriculture, fisheries and livestock

Development & manufacturing of animal feed,

The fifth agreement signed is in the field of health, the MoU is meant for the facilitation of the movement of persons between the two countries and establish mechanisms of mutual interest to prevent and combat transnational crime, Joint measures to combat illegal migration and deportation processes and procedure.

The sixth Agreement is the Mutual administrative assistance between the Rwanda Revenue Authority and Zambia Revenue Authority meant to cooperate in a joint effort to curb the contravention of tax laws,

Electronic data exchange system for purposes of trade facilitation.

President Kagame, President Hichilema and the First Lady Mutinta are this evening expected to have a State Banquet.

There is a deliberate ploy to block citizens from accessing CDF-HH

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There is a deliberate ploy to block citizens from accessing CDF-HH

President Hakainde Hichilema says there is a deliberate ploy to block citizens from accessing Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The UPND Government has increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K25.7 million per constituency.

President Hichilema on Sunday evening met officials from his governing party the United Party for National Development (UPND) in Livingstone to discuss among other issues access to Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The Head of State is in Livingstone to welcome Rwandan President Paul Kagame who is in Zambia for a state visit.

In the meeting with UPND officials in the Tourist Capital, President Hichilema charged that there is a deliberate ploy to block citizens from accessing CDF.

The President said he was aware that there are concerns relating to accessing CDF among stakeholders.

President Hichilema said some strange conditions like cooperatives being in existence for three years even when they were just newly formed are some of the concerns relating to accessing CDF.

He said the New Dawn Government wants equity when it comes to accessing CDF in constituencies.

“This evening (Sunday), we held a meeting with the UPND party officials here in Livingstone. We addressed various concerns and stated that every citizen out there has placed their hope on us and that we are working to create jobs and business opportunities,” President Hichilema posted on his facebook page.

“During the address we stated that we are keen followers of social media and that we are listening attentively. We have read with dismay, issues to do with access to CDF where some strange conditions like cooperatives being in existence for three years even when they were just newly formed. This is a deliberate ploy to block our citizens from accessing CDF. The Cabinet has approved that this is not the way to go as it deprives those who were never allowed to do business in the past regime. We want equity and this we will ensure.”

He said:”During the engagement, we also stated that no one should be given a government contract when outside of the constituency, district or indeed province. The stay of contracts within these key areas stated will lead to local cash flow and that is how the economy will be run going forward.”

President Hichilema urged UPND officials to preserve the ruling party.

“We also emphasised that we are working to ensure that Zambia can be united and that we have to join hands in ensuring that this comes to fruition. We won the 2021 elections because of all of you citizens through UPND as a tool and we appealed to the party leadership not to destroy what they created and that is UPND which is fighting so hard to unite and end lawlessness in the country. We are grateful to you all for the votes you gave us in 2021 and the support you continue to give us and with our clear intent, we will run this country better,” he said.

President Hichilema added that Zambia was getting better in relation to peace and harmony.

“We haven’t forgotten the past trauma that this country was subjected to including teargas canisters, jails and complete shutdown of both the economy and freedoms but we ask you all party officials and general citizenry to not accept the divisive nature of those not willing to build. In August, 2021, we all made a decision to set our country on a different path and you chose us to lead and we are confident that Zambia is getting better and indeed will be better. May God bless you all and May God bless our country,” he concluded.

President Kagame arrives in Zambia for state visit

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President Kagame arrives in Zambia for state visit

President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has arrived in the country for a two day state visit which is running from today, 4th to tomorrow 5th April, 2022.

The plane carrying the President Kagame touched down at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone at 10:20 hours Zambian time.

President Kagame was welcomed at the airport by President Hakainde Hichilema.

During the visit, President Kagame and President Hichilema are scheduled to hold bilateral talks which will focus on matters of mutual interest at bilateral, regional and international levels.

Bilateral talks will be followed by the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Zambia and Rwanda in various sectors which will promote the consolidation of ties between the two countries.

President Kagame being welcomed at the airport by President Hakainde Hichilema
President Kagame being welcomed at the airport by President Hakainde Hichilema

The state visit by President Kagame will provide an opportunity to share best practices in areas that will help unlock new opportunities for Zambia and her citizens.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo has reiterated that Zambia and Rwanda share long standing bilateral relations, which are anchored on shared values and mutual respect.

In a statement to ZANIS, Mr. Kakubo said the two countries have continued to strengthen bilateral ties through the exchange of high level visits as well as the establishment of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) which is aimed at reviewing and strengthening cooperation in areas that include foreign relations, trade and industry, tourism, agriculture, sport, science and technology, information and communication technology, research and development, and gender among others.

He added that Zambia and Rwanda collaborate at regional, continental and international levels through the joint membership at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the African Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

Mr. Kakubo said President Hichilema has emphasised the need to leverage the opportunities for intra-African trade, investment and tourism to ensure the resilience of economies and industries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation further said President Hichilema’s government is keen to emulate Rwanda’s success in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) as it pursues universal and affordable internet coverage for Zambians.

President Kagame being welcomed at the airport by President Hakainde Hichilema
President Kagame being welcomed at the airport by President Hakainde Hichilema

He pointed out that in tourism, Rwanda has effectively positioned itself as an international business destination through its intensive marketing efforts, adding that Zambia remains open to creating synergies in this sector.

“To this end, His Excellency President Kagame’s visit is expected to reinforce the bilateral relations, and further strengthen partnerships and cooperation at multilateral level in the furtherance of common development aspirations, based on mutual benefit for the people in the two countries.

President Kagame is expected to return to Rwanda tomorrow, 5th April, 2022 immediately after concluding his engagements.

Chinsali Mayor challenges women to prove their relevance

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Chinsali Mayor challenges women to prove their relevance

Chinsali mayor, Lucy Mukuka, has called on women to be proactive towards contributing to the development of the country.

Ms. Mukuka said women need to prove their relevance in developmental matters through their active participation in the country’s growth agenda.

The Mayor, who was speaking during an ‘all women event’ organised by the Zambia National Women’s Lobby, under the theme, ‘Meet the Mayor’ in Chinsali yesterday, charged that women have great potential in helping the government achieve its objectives.

She said the new dawn government has shown its belief in women through the inclusion of women in high decision making positions such as the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Ms. Mukuka however, expressed concern over the low levels of women participation in empowerment programmes which are provided by the government.

She added that the number of women forming cooperatives is relatively low in the district.

“I want you to benefit from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) that the government has increased by six folds so that you can be considered as important stakeholders in the economic development of the country,” she stated.

She further encouraged women willing to join politics to advance their education as it is a significant requirement for one to be a civic leader.

And Zambia National Women’s Lobby Coordinator in Muchinga Provincial, Linda Chilamo, advised women to support each other in society.

Ms. Chilamo said the only way women can assist their fellow women to excel in society is through support and partnerships.

She added that the collaborative efforts of women in society can significantly help in paving the way for future young women leaders to break gender barriers.

“As Women’s Lobby, we want to encourage you to never relent in taking up challenging roles in society,” she added.

Meanwhile, Imiti Ikula Empanga Director, Chilufya Kapwepwe, said women in Chinsali should emulate the good leadership qualities that, Lucy Mukuka, who is the first female Mayor of Chinsali, has portrayed so far.

Ms. Kapwepwe charged that the professional conduct which Ms. Mukuka has shown should be a motivating element that other women should take as an important example.

She has since encouraged Ms. Mukuka to continue playing a role model figure to upcoming young female politicians.

Multinational Saudi companies express interest to invest in Zambia

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Multinational Saudi companies express interest to invest in Zambia

A renowned multi-million dollar company from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has expressed interest in importing chickens from Zambia.

The importation of chickens from Zambia will enhance many small and medium entrepreneurs’ participation in growing economic activities in the country.

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, says Durat Al-Etqan, Pioneers Chemical Factory and several other agro-chemicals companies, are interested in doing business in the poultry and agro-chemicals areas.

Mr. Mubanga says many other companies also expressed interest to set up agro-chemical production and distribution facilities in Zambia due to a guaranteed market.

He says government will also conduct a feasibility study throughout the ten provinces to find ways of engaging young people and women entrepreneurs.

He was speaking at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka yesterday when he arrived from Saudi Arabia where he attended the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEN) conference.

While in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Mubanga also held a bilateral meeting with the GEN Global President and Chairman, Jonathan Ortman and had sideline meetings with potential investors and SME venture partners.

“During the business engagements, we met some key business houses in the Kingdom who expressed eagerness to travel to Zambia to establish joint business ventures with local SMEs,” he stated.

Mr. Mubanga disclosed that government has also invited various potential partners to visit Zambia to actualise the envisaged economic cooperation.

The minister further stated that a team of experts in the agriculture sector and a pesticide company from Saudi Arabia will travel to Zambia to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with government.

He said government will facilitate policy requirements and engage banks that will encourage joint ventures to grow the agriculture sector.

And Acting Managing Director for Global Entrepreneurship Network-Zambia, Edwin Zulu, said the objective of the conference was to find opportunities and linkages between the investors and connect SMEs.

Mr Zulu added that Zambia was among 190 countries that participated at the global event.

“This is the first time that a Zambian delegation has participated in the global entrepreneurship congress at government level,” he noted.

UPND Government has scored landmark achievements in 7 months-Kalunga

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UPND Government has scored landmark achievements in 7 months-Kalunga

The government has scored landmark achievements to improve the lives of the Zambian people during the seven months the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration has been in office.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Kennedy Kalunga, said key among the milestone achievements include the promotion of a united and peaceful Zambia in which President Hakainde Hichilema has ensured that appointments to his Cabinet, are reflective of all the 10 provinces of the country.

“Through this and other measures, the “One Zambia One Nation” motto that has bound us together since independence, is once again becoming a reality where all Zambians have an equal say and stake in the affairs of the country,” Mr. Kalunga said.

According to a press statement issued by the Press and Media Relations Unit at the Ministry of Information and Media in Lusaka this evening, Mr. Kalunga said this when he made a presentation during a stakeholder meeting organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in conjunction with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) in Chisamba today.

Mr. Kalunga added that the people of Zambia envisioned a better and prosperous Zambia when they overwhelmingly voted for the UPND and President Hichilema in the August 12, 2021 general elections.

“As we meet here today, I am delighted to share some of the milestones that the government has achieved since coming into office seven months ago,” said Mr Kalunga in his presentation titled “New Dawn Government Milestones so Far.”

He has since commended the CPD and the FES for convening the meeting which brought together various stakeholders, among them, representatives of civil society organisations, academia and other eminent persons.

He added that the initiative was in line with the government’s ‘servant leadership’ in which the voice of the citizens is paramount in the governance of the country.

“This is an inclusive and listening government. As such, much as I am here to make a presentation on the milestones that government has achieved so far, in essence, I am here to do more listening than talking in order to hear the views of stakeholders on the distance that we have so far covered as a country under the New Dawn Government,” he said.

Mr Kalunga further stated that during the past seven months, the UPND government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the rule of law by freeing the governance and oversight institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) from political interference and instruction.

He said during the seven months that the UPND administration has been in office, the government has ensured that there is no more police harassment against citizens who hold divergent views from those of the party in power.

He further said government has also ensured that there are no arrests without investigation adding that there is no unwarranted use of teargas or excessive force by police against citizens.

On procurement, the Permanent Secretary said government has moved swiftly and decisively to seal the leakages in the procurement of goods and services in which colossal sums of money were being lost through inflated prices and unsatisfactory works.

“During the seven months in office, President Hichilema has personally held meetings with Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and other senior government officials to orient them on the need to protect public resources by ensuring that all goods and services procured by government are within the right cost, quality and delivered on time,” he said.

Mr. Kalunga also underscored government’s achievements in depolitising markets and bus stations which it has since handed back to councils as the rightful authorities to run them.

“The markets are now open to everyone to do business regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

Turning to the 2022 national budget, Mr. Kalunga noted that the implementation of some of the key provisions in the budget such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), recruitment of over 40,000 workers in the health and education sectors and free education, was firmly underway.

He said this is a translation of government’s promises to the people of Zambia.

The Permanent Secretary further stated that during the seven months in office, the UPND government has also freed the media so that it sets its own reportorial and editorial agenda.

“From these and other achievements, it is clear that the UPND government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, has hit the ground running in delivering development to the people of Zambia in line with its campaign promises,” he said.

Mr. Kalunga however said despite these achievements, government was under no illusion that the road ahead will be smooth.

“The country still faces serious economic challenges caused mainly by high indebtedness, resulting from heavy borrowing during the previous regime,” he said.

He concluded that government was nevertheless not leaving any stone unturned to recover, repair and revive the economy for the betterment of the Zambian people.

My answer to the German Ambassador is that resources without knowledge and technology do not create wealth

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My answer to the German Ambassador is that resources without knowledge and technology do not create wealth

 

 

By Edward Chisanga

Lusaka Times of April 2, 2022 quoted Germany Ambassador, Anne Wagner–Mitchell as saying, “Zambia has enough resources to realize its development agenda.”

My niece, Gemanini was quick to respond to the comments.

She quipped, “There’re two parts in the Ambassador’s statement. The first which I agree with is that Zambia has enough resources. The second, ‘To realize its development agenda’ is what I’m at variance with. I would not combine the two parts. Abundant resources on their own mean nothing as we have witnessed for many years about Zambia and other African countries like DRC. They must be converted into wealth. Among others, two factors are responsible. One is human capital with enough quality to convert sleeping resources into wealth creation, poverty reduction, good health, abundant food for each Zambian family and a good smile on each face. There’s an old story: Singapore had no natural resources like Zambia. But its quality human capital has created massive wealth that has almost eliminated poverty and integrated the country in global manufacturing and ICT and networks.”

What else would you tell the German Ambassador?

“It is no accident that Singapore’s manufacturing sector, accounting for about 25% of GDP is the dominant industry. The countries relies on exports of products such as electronics, chemicals, biomedical sciences, logistics and transport engineering. Singapore is also specialized in financial services whose industry has only known growing due to pro-business and political characteristics of the country. Experts say, ‘Singapore’s’ financial services market place facilitates the transfer of knowledge, processes, technology and skills between global, regional and domestic markets. All this seems to have been based on planning from many years ago.”

I interrupted and asked her, “What do you mean, based on planning?”

“Singapore’s educational system provides for students to learn about things that they will end up doing in future when they grow up. I read a text from Government that explained the main characteristics of education. One was that all the school experiences ‘help to cultivate in our students qualities such as creativity, collaboration, compassion – life skills that are essential in a rapidly changing world. Through nurturing the joy of learning and encouraging entrepreneurial dare, our students can develop the intrinsic motivation to explore and discover their interests as well as pursue their passions. We also want to inculcate in them values such as respect, responsibility, resilience, integrity, care and harmony, all of which are important for a cohesive, multi-racial and multi-cultural society.”

Then I asked, “So, one can argue that their school system teaches students skills like manufacturing, innovation and how to make products?”

“Absolutely. Singapore includes in their students’ schooling system practical things like learning about industry and other entrepreneurial sectors. Children learn from their parents and take over business when they grow.”

“What about Zambia?“ I asked.

“Meanwhile, Zambia, our country with unbridled resources that we gasconade about keeps sliding back in development. Our school system is questionable. It doesn’t focus on skills development and innovation for jobs. It is no wonder many would like it changed“

“Is there anything else you would tell the Ambassador?” I asked her.

“I would tell her that resources too need technology to transform them from raw to processed items for exports. Singapore is a technology country. It is that technology that has largely helped it to bring structural change and transformation leading to integration in the global economy.”

Then, I asked her, “Why does all this matter to the German Ambassador?”

She retorted, “Let me begin by stating that Zambia has an Embassy in Germany aimed at, among other things, promoting trade and investment. But do you know that in 2020, according to Unctadstat data shown in Table 1 below, Zambia’s total exports were only US$50million and imports only US$52 million while Germany’s exports were only US$47 million and imports US$ 80 million? Different sources of statistics provide variations in trade numbers but they are not far from each other.”

“What do other sources say?” I asked.

“Well, for example, OEC source says Zambia’s exports were US$78.5 million while Germany’s exports to US$60.9 million. Zambia Development Agency, then acting Manager for Investment Promotion, Samson Simwanda was quoted as saying in 2021 that goods worth over US$, 9,000 were in the last six years exported to Germany, signifying the need to enhance collaboration between Zambia and the EU. He observed the need to increase exports to Germany. During a German-Zambia Business Webinar, he called on German investors to explore the vast investment opportunities in Zambia.’ But I don’t know if Germans have since responded. What I heard from the Ambassador was, ‘Germany is supporting government through implementing various projects in the fields of water and sanitation, good governance as well as food and nutrition.’ I don’t know if that is what Mr. Simwanda was asking Germany to invest in.”

Table 1: Trade in all products between Zambia and Germany in US millions

2020
Germany from Zambia Imports

80
Germany to Zambia Exports

47
Zambia from Germany Imports

52
Zambia to Germany Exports

50
Source: Unctadstat

“So, what is your main point that Zambians should listen to as you advise Germans and their partnership with us?” I would be excited if the Ambassador highlighted what Germans are doing to help us integrate our economy in the global economy. Global integration creates wealth through exports and investment. If we are integrated, we will be able to do on our own what Germans are helping us to do, like on water and sanitation, good governance and food and nutrition. Our German partners should be looking at the bigger picture that has multiplier effects. The German Ambassador is certainly aware of the Chinese saying, ‘. Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a day. Teach a Man to Fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’ Developing human capital is our own internal matter. We must do better to do this. In terms of technology, the Ambassador will do well to advise us on what attracts foreign direct investment in manufacturing from Germans to Zambians. She should feel free to tell us why we have not been able to convince Germans to come to Zambia and share with us their extraordinary manufacturing skills and how we must cajole them. Like the USA, China and others, Germany is the hub of manufacturing.”

“But what are we Zambians asking Germans to do to help us move towards economic structural change? Our Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary thanked the Ambassador for her country’s support to the province adding that issues of nutrition are critical to the province. He said, ‘I’m glad that you are tackling issues of nutrition.’ Was he right?”

“He was right but this is a short- or medium-term solution. He should be asking from an advanced country like Germany support that would provide multiplier effects to development. He or she should be asking for capacity building, technology transfer, capacity building for human skills development to enable us to handle our own problems like nutrition. Zambians wish to know what Zambia-German projects are available for enhancing human capital development and technology transfer to our country from Germany to enable us integrate in global manufacturing and networks. Of course much of this must come from Zambians themselves. But considering global inter-dependence, it is not wishful thinking that Germany can support us to learn manufacturing and production processes. That too is the only way Zambia’s exports to Germany will improve both quantitatively and qualitatively.”

“Thanks niece Germanini. I think your insights will be observed and studied fully by our new Government and provides them with ideas of what manufacturing projects they can ask Germany to help us with. Surely, the Ambassador is challenged to rethink Germany’s development aid to Zambia, to include learning manufacturing processes. As usual, I will knock on your door again in future.”

“Thanks uncle. Anytime.”

 

President Hichilema in Livingstone to welcome Rwandan President Paul Kagame

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President Hichilema in Livingstone to welcome Rwandan President Paul Kagame

President Hakainde Hichilema has arrived in Livingstone ahead of the State Visit by Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, tomorrow.

The President is accompanied by the First Lady, Mutinta Hichilema.

President Hichilema and Mr. Kagame are expected to hold bilateral talks and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The plane carrying President Hichilema and the First Lady, touched down at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport at 13:10 hours Zambian time.

The President and the First Lady were welcomed by Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo and Southern Province Minister, Cornelius Mweetwa, the Mayor of Livingstone, Constance Mukelabai and other senior government officials.

Upon arrival, the Head of State and the First Lady greeted senior government officials that had gathered to welcome them and later proceeded to watch the dance troupe.

According to a programme released by the Cabinet Office and made available to ZANIS in Livingstone today, President Kagame will arrive in Zambia on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport.

The two Heads of State will hold bilateral talks before proceeding for a tour at the Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls.

The two Presidents and the First Lady will then proceed to Sundowner where they are expected to have state dinner aboard the train.

On Tuesday, April 5, President Kagame, President Hichilema and the First Lady Mutinta are expected to tour the Mukuni Big Five Safaris, the Mosi-o- Tunya National Park, and then proceed to the One Stop Border Post and Kazungula Bridge.

President Kagame is later in the Afternoon expected to depart for Rwanda at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport.

Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo has announced that the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, will undertake a State Visit to Zambia from 4th to 5th April, 2022.

Mr. Kakubo confirmed the development in a statement made available to ZANIS in Livingstone today.

He explained that during the visit, which will be in Livingstone, the two Heads of State are scheduled to hold bilateral talks that will focus on matters of mutual interest at bilateral, regional and international levels.

He said the bilateral talks will be followed by the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Zambia and Rwanda in various sectors.

Mr. Kakubo said this will promote the consolidation of bilateral ties between the two countries.

The minister said Zambia and Rwanda share longstanding bilateral relations which are anchored on shared values and mutual respect.

“The two countries have continued to strengthen bilateral ties through the exchange of high level visits as well as the establishment of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) which is aimed at reviewing and strengthening cooperation in areas including; foreign relations, trade and industry, tourism, agriculture, sport, science and technology, information and communication technology, research and development, and gender, among others,” he explained.

He added that Zambia and Rwanda collaborate at regional, continental and international levels through the joint membership at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the African Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

Mr. Kakubo further said President Hakainde Hichilema has emphasised the need to leverage the opportunities for intra-African trade, investment and tourism to ensure the resilience of economies and industries.

“Therefore, the visit will provide an opportunity to share best practices in areas targeted for progress. This is an important part of the government’s approach, which places great value on working openly and collaboratively with a range of partners to unlock new opportunities for the country and its citizens. The government is working to deliver a more conducive environment for local businesses to flourish and create jobs,” added Mr. Kakubo.

Mr. Kakubo said President Hichilema’s administration is keen to emulate Rwanda’s success in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) as it pursues universal and affordable internet coverage for Zambians.

He pointed out that in tourism, Rwanda has effectively positioned itself as an international business destination through its intensive marketing efforts.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation added that and Zambia remains open to creating synergies in the tourism sector.

“To this end, His Excellency President Kagame’s visit is expected to reinforce the bilateral relations, and further strengthen partnerships and cooperation at multilateral level in the furtherance of common development aspirations, based on mutual benefit for the people in the two countries,” he said.

Mr. Kakubo said President Kagame is expected to depart for his country on Tuesday, 5th April, 2022 immediately after his engagements.

Red Arrows Reach 2022 ABSA Cup to Keep Double Dream Alive

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Red Arrows stayed on course for a 2021/2022 season double after reaching the 2022 ABSA Cup final.

The FAZ Super League leaders, who are six games away from the Zambian title, beat Green Eagles 2-0 in Sunday’s semifinal played at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

Allasane Diarra put Arrows ahead in the 6th minute before substitute Edward Tembo scored the final goal with five minutes left in the second half.

Arrows are returning to the ABSA Cup for the first time since they lifted it in 2013.

The result saw Eagles dreams of a debut ABSA Cup final appearance dashed at the semifinal stage for the third time.

Meanwhile, Arrows will face Napsa Stars in the final on April 16 to be played across town at National Heroes Stadium.

2012 champions Napsa reached the final on Saturday following a 4-2 post-match penalty win over Nkana after their match ended scoreless at Woodlands Stadium.

Both Napsa and Arrows are gunning for second ABSA Cup titles.

The Alternative to The Fuel Price Hikes

Chief Editor
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The Alternative to The Fuel Price Hikes

By Sean Tembo – PeP President

1. This country has experienced two major price hikes by the new dawn administration; firstly in December 2021, allegedly to remove subsidies and secondly a few days ago, allegedly as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war. These two increments have seen the pump price of petrol go up from around K17 per liter to the current K26.50. This represents a 55.9% increment in fuel prices within a period of 3 months. The highest ever in the history of this nation.

2. Our argument has been that such a huge increment in fuel prices is inimical to the economic interests of this nation because fuel is a key production input and its surge in price has many adverse trickle down effects to pretty much all sectors of the economy. When fuel goes up, transport goes up, and since transport is a key input in the production of almost all goods and services in the economy, prices inevitably go up resulting in a higher cost of living for the people. And since people’s incomes are largely fixed, a high cost of living inevitably results in reduced demand for goods and services in the economy, which results in economic stagnation and job losses. It has been common folklore among business people in the past 7 months to complain that business is very slow. People simply do not have the purchasing power to actively participate in the economy.

3. But could there have been an alternative to the 55% fuel hike in the past 3 months? Our view is that yes, there was an alternative. Government could have generated additional revenue from other sectors of the economy and used that revenue to subsidize our fuel so as to keep the price at around K17. The obvious sector which we have talked about in the past is the mining sector. With copper prices at an all time high, Government should have increased its collection of revenue from this sector and used that money to subsidize our fuel. Since the mines are making supernormal profits at the moment, they would’ve had no basis to complain.

4. But Government instead decided to give the mines a de facto tax holiday, using the argument that such a tax holiday will attract more investment into the mining sector, and that we shall remove the de facto tax holiday when we reach annual output of 2 million metric tonnes of copper. Currently we are at around 800,000 metric tonnes of copper per annum, so if it takes 10 years to reach 2,000,000 metric tonnes, then it means the mines will not pay any tangible tax until then. I don’t know if l am the only Zambian who finds such kind of reasoning strange. With the world demand for copper being on an upward trend for the unforeseeable future due to the advent of electric vehicles where copper is a major input, there is no need of giving the mines a tax holiday incentive for them to invest in the sector. The supernormal profits that they are making now and which they will continue to make in the unforeseeable future is an incentive enough. No need for a tax holiday whatsoever.

5. But apart from the mining sector, there are other sectors which Government can additionally tax in order to raise additional revenue to subsidize fuel. One such sector is mobile money. The projected annual volumes for mobile money transactions by value for 2022 is in excess of K200 billion. That means if Government imposed a 1% tax on mobile money transactions, they could easily have generated about K2 billion which could then have been used to subsidize fuel and keep the price at around K17. Additionally, our mobile data is one of the cheapest in the SADC region, and Government can easily generate in excess of K1 billion by increasing the tax on mobile data. This additional tax revenue would have been enough to subsidize our fuel and prevent the 55.9% increment that we have witnessed since December 2021, as well as the damage that it has caused to the economy.

6. Unlike fuel, mobile data and mobile money transactions are not key production inputs in our economy. That means any increase in these items will not result in a significant adverse trickle down effect to the entire economy. For instance, no bus operator will increase fares because mobile data prices have gone up. Similarly, the shelf price of chisense will not go up at Soweto market simply because mobile data prices have gone up, and neither will your landlord increase the rent because mobile data prices have surged upwards, he sure will when fuel prices go up.

7. So at the end of the day, the trick is to tax those sectors that you can get away with, so as to subsidize the sectors that are too sensitive to be subjected to price fluctuations. That is the art of managing the economy. You cannot have a situation whereby if there is an upward surge in oil prices on the world market, you just directly pass it on to consumers without any regard to the potential damage to the rest of the economy. That is not managing the economy. If we are just going to pass over all external fluctuations, then there is no point of even having a Minister of Finance. We might as well scrap the position and save costs, because the Minister is not managing the economy. He is not adding any value to the economy. The economy is on autopilot.

8. The Minister of Finance should either start managing the economy or he should resign his position so that the country saves some money in terms of the salary and allowances that taxpayers pay him. The Minister is deadwood. The citizens of this Republic cannot continue to pay for the deadwood in that office.

Being denounced for telling the truth

Chief Editor
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Being denounced for telling the truth

By Fred M’membe President of the Socialist Party

Some of us are good at getting in trouble for saying what others do not want to hear. Our friends in the UPND and its government seem to have the misconception that it is all about agreement and harmony.

Our politics are about plurality and diversity. Even our Christianity is not about united voicing Bible verses like John 3:16 or speaking the Lord’s Prayer in unison. Division, not unity, is a significant theme in the Bible. Prophet Jeremiah, from the Old Testament, was persecuted for saying what God told him to speak to the people. As a prophet of God, Jeremiah, was opposed for saying what people did not want to hear from God. Lies and gossip may be more popular than the truth. Should we shut up or speak up about what is harmful to society?

God called and appointed Jeremiah as His prophet to His people. God’s people and other religious leaders did not like what Jeremiah said from God. The temple’s chief official had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks to pressure him to shut up. Many of the prophets of God in the Old Testament received reproach, ridicule, mocking, and even death for speaking up. Jesus was also persecuted for saying and doing what other religious leaders and people rejected.

As Christians, Jesus warns us that saying and living what Jesus said and did will result in our persecution. We will be persecuted because, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher and the servant like his master.” Jesus warned his disciples that if they have called him Beelzebub, or Satan, how much more will they malign them.

Jesus warned his disciples that they should not fear persecution for speaking His words. They will prove true even if those offended by them reject them. Jesus and his words are meant for the good of others, even if they sting. Persecution, beatings, being placed in jail, or fed to lions will harm or kill your body, but it is God who saves your souls for heaven, not other people. We fear others and things we cannot control, but God is to be feared above all else.

Local authority engineers promises to deliver quality projects

Chief Editor
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Local authority engineers promises to deliver quality projects

Local authority engineers in Zambia have assured the government that it will get value for money on projects that will be supervised by them in their respective districts.

Deputy Director of Works for Kaputa Town Council in Northern Province, Tina Kaunda, made the assurance shortly after having a practical exercise following a seven day training in capacity building for local authority engineers held in Mpika in Muchinga province.

Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) reports that Ms. Kaunda said the training has expanded the engineers’ knowledge and will be beneficial in the implementation of projects.

“We now have a better understanding of how to supervise work and this is a refresher course, so we need more of such,” she said.

She promised that she will do a good job once the construction of new jobs begins in Kaputa district.

Ms. Kaunda said the engineers will be able to diversify on how the monitoring of projects is done once they have the right equipment for construction works.

And National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) Highway Engineer for Monitoring and Evaluation, Sureya Malik, said the projects being implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development are high value ventures.

Mr. Malik said after the seven days long training, local authority engineers are expected to carry out the projects in a more passionate manner knowing that the infrastructure that will be constructed will affect the local communities.

“It is our intention that after this training, the engineers will go back with a different perspective and will conduct projects in a more passionate manner,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Technical Assistant Stephen Malubila said the engineers will be expected to take centre stage in ensuring that there is quality infrastructure in the country.

Mr. Malubila added that the government would like to see to it that projects are managed within a reasonable time and must be of high quality.

“The new dawn administration would like to see projects managed within a reasonable time and they must be of quality,” he said.

The seven day training in capacity building for local authority engineers drew engineers from Central, Northern and Muchinga provinces.

Kagame expected in Livingstone tomorrow

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Kagame expected in Livingstone tomorrow

Preparations have heightened in the tourist capital Livingstone ahead of the state visit by Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

A check by ZANIS found a team of senior government officials led by Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Namani Monze, inspecting some works at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, the Mukuni Big Five and the Victoria Falls in Livingstone.

Billboards with messages of welcoming the visiting President and the host President Hakainde Hichilema to Livingstone, have been mounted along the Mosi-Otunya and Airport Roads and in the central business district of Livingstone.

According to the programme made available to ZANIS, President Kagame will be welcomed at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport by his Zambian counterpart President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday, 4th April 2022.

The two Heads of State are expected to hold bilateral talks as well as sample tourism packages offered in Livingstone.

The two Presidents are also scheduled to visit Kazungula bridge to familiarise themselves with new developments which the crossing point has brought about in Zambia and the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Several Livingstone residents were seen preparing themselves to accord the two Presidents a thunderous welcome.

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